As some of you know I have arranged with the watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre, which has very close links to Aston Martin, to have up to fifteen to twenty spaces reserved for us for a visit to the Manufacture in Le Sentier, just north of Lake Geneva. We can have as many cars there as we like as they have a big car park.

The first date is the 10th/11th April and these have already been booked for us at the Manufacture. They are trying to get an alternative date of the 23rd/24th April. Please let me know if you have any preference. I assume (and I will check) that we can aim to arrive in Geneva in the afternoon of the 10th and have the tour of the Manufacture on the 11th. So that means leaving the UK on the 9th and arriving back on the 13th.

We can either fly to Switzerland (a one day trip), in which case JLC will arrange for Aston Martin cars to be waiting for us when we arrive in Geneva to take us to the Manufacture and then back to the airport. Alternatively we can take days out and drive with our Astons to Geneva (a 4-5 day trip). JLC are very happy to cover the accommodation and all meals for our group whilst we are in Geneva (so lunches, a couple of dinners and a couple of nights in a hotel), so they only require that we would have to make the flights arrangements if we decide not to drive.

Personally I would prefer to give places intially to those that wish to drive as I am sure JLC will make much of this and want to take pictures and write about the visit from a fleet of Astons driven by AM and watch fans. Good publicity opportunity for them and a fun few days out for us.

Lewis (yeti) has been voted as chief route organiser and of course we have quite a few months to go before firm plans need to be agreed. However, the sooner we have a route the better in terms of looking forward to a great trip and some good driving roads.

I will update you on any other details as I get them. Perhaps JLC can arrange for a One-77 or a Zagato to be there for us to have a drive in I am sure there will be some goodies from the Manufacture, albeit I doubt it will be a watch

We obviously have many months to go but I figured the sooner I told you all the sooner you could block out the time in your diaries.

If its limited to people rather than cars I think +1s should be banned from the tour.

I should be ok for a 3 day trip but don't want to spend any longer

Given we are seven months from the actual trip I am happy to have +1s in the list and maybe we will have thirty people wanting to go. When we get nearer the time I am sure some may drop out and if there are no places left for AM owner/drivers to attend the tour then we will ask if +1s could not do the tour but of course are welcome to do the trip. Geneva has some great shops

By way of example, my wife would love the trip, has no interest in watches and would love the shops!

If its limited to people rather than cars I think +1s should be banned from the tour.

Always a difficult one this... I remember saying the same thing about the Gaydon visits, lots of Astons couldn't come as it was limited to people - quite a few bored other halves were there. BUT also some real enthusiasts!

Mrs Y just said she might come so my loyalties are split! Some may not make the trip if they can't bring the OH as well...

Decision must be Woollies as organiser. In practice, we probably won't get 15-20 cars anyway so the problem will be moot. But it needs to be decided now.

As nobody has said otherwise then let's confirm the 10th to arrive in Geneva and the 11th for the tour.

On the subject of +1s. The first fifteen to twenty people in the list will be able to do the tour of the Manufacture. Please indicate if your +1 is coming along for the trip or if he/she does also want to do the tour. As it said my wife may come for the trip but she wouldn't be very interested in the tour.

Nearer the date we will confirm the list for the tour. I'd be pleasant surprised if we get more than twenty people wanting to do the tour.

Always a difficult one this... I remember saying the same thing about the Gaydon visits, lots of Astons couldn't come as it was limited to people - quite a few bored other halves were there. BUT also some real enthusiasts!

Mrs Y just said she might come so my loyalties are split! Some may not make the trip if they can't bring the OH as well...

Decision must be Woollies as organiser. In practice, we probably won't get 15-20 cars anyway so the problem will be moot. But it needs to be decided now.

Is the 11th confirmed as I will arrange my schedule to fit it.

I'm not saying they shouldn't be allowed on the trip, but the tour should try and maximise the number of cars there.